“Saw a pair of adult Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus malayensis) pipit feeding near newly constructed houses at the edge of this Forest Reserve. Because the land had been destroyed the vegetation was not the usual short grass but taller grass and other plants.
“Hence the foraging style was not that seen usually as in grass. The birds had to look up to identify prey in the taller vegetations and then leap up (2-3 times height) and catch their prey. Saw many episodes but not on film.
“This behaviour is described in Wells (2007) as a method used in the north of our Peninsular to catch the birds. Obviously it is a recognised method for pipits to get prey.
“Some pictures to show the habitat, and the birds looking up to search for prey. One rear view, close up.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Fringe of Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
24th April 2010
Reference:
Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.
Leave a Reply